NU's College of Education offering master's program in developmental disabilities

by jmaloni

Press release

Mon, Aug 26th 2013 06:00 pm

Niagara
University's College of Education has received approval from the
New York State Education Department to offer a master of arts degree
in developmental disabilities.

Applications
are now being accepted for the fall of 2013.

The
M.A. program serves to benefit individuals who are already employed
by, or who seek employment in, agencies that provide services to
individuals with developmental disabilities. The program was
developed with the guidance and expertise of community leaders in
rehabilitation and independent living.

"Most
agencies serving individuals with disabilities and their families
require a high level of education for upper management level
employees," noted Michael Gross, CEO of Heritage Centers. "I
cannot think of a better advanced degree to have than a master's in
developmental disabilities if one wants to understand the issues
surrounding our individuals, their families and the staff that serve.
This type of knowledge will lead to better leadership."

Niagara
University's program is comprised of 30 credit hours and provides
individuals with a choice of two concentrations:

•The
first concentration is for those seeking career opportunities related
to working with people with disabilities, and wish to establish a
firm experiential knowledge and skill base.

•The
second concentration is designed for individuals working in the field
who seek to cultivate their leadership skills with a goal to work at
administrative levels within the industry.

Both
concentrations require a culminating practicum of 250 field hours
that includes training leading toward certifications in Medicaid,
investigative training, and strategies for crisis intervention and
prevention (SCIP).

"The
field of developmental disabilities is experiencing great concerns
regarding succession planning for organizational leadership at all
administrative levels and building a highly qualified workforce that
can address the needs of those with developmental disabilities,"
said Dr. Debra A. Colley, dean of Niagara's accredited College of
Education. "The College of Education is pleased to extend our work
with the rehabilitation community to serve young adults and adults
with developmental disabilities. We are grateful to our community
partners for working with the university to develop a degree program
that can cultivate future leaders and clinicians in the field of
developmental disabilities."